Local non profits working together to make a difference

HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) - Four Hattiesburg non-profit organizations along with The City of Hattiesburg, are joining forces to make an even bigger difference in local neighborhoods.

R3SM, Habitat for Humanity, Housing Alternatives and Community Connections have created a housing consortium, where they will share expertise, resources and funding to impact struggling Hattiesburg communities.

Wednesday local businesses, bankers and members of the community were invited for a roundtable discussion on ways they can help join in on the effort.

R3SM Executive Director Sheila Varnado said, "We believe we all have a role and we can all play a role in helping craft the best solution for the families who are out there in need."

Franklin Tate with The City of Hattiesburg said, "We get a limited amount of funding from the Department of Urban Housing but it is nowhere near enough to address the tremendous need here in this community. So, by partnering with other organizations as well as the private sector, we are hoping to leverage the funding that we get from the Federal Government."

The housing consortium hopes for monetary, materials or labor donations. The groups have already started working on three houses in the Palmers Crossing neighborhood.

For the second consecutive year, Presbyterian Christian School and West Marion High School opened a football season by going at one another tooth and nail for the better part of two-and-a-half quarters. And, for the second consecutive season, the Bobcats eventually wore down the Trojans over the last 18 minutes of the game, as PCS pulled away Thursday night for a 38-18 victory.

For the second consecutive year, Presbyterian Christian School and West Marion High School opened a football season by going at one another tooth and nail for the better part of two-and-a-half quarters. And, for the second consecutive season, the Bobcats eventually wore down the Trojans over the last 18 minutes of the game, as PCS pulled away Thursday night for a 38-18 victory.